Afrobeats artist Odumodublvck has laid out a clear plan for Arsenal’s path to Premier League glory, identifying four crucial positions that require reinforcement.

As the 2024/25 Premier League season approaches, Arsenal is gearing up to finally claim the title that has eluded them for two consecutive seasons.

In an exclusive interview with ESPN Africa, Odumodublvck shared his expert analysis, pinpointing the signings that can propel Arsenal to the top.

Firstly, Odumodublvck highlights the need for a top-class left back, suggesting Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo as the ideal fit.

Despite the recent signing of Riccardo Calafiori and the presence of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jurrien Timber, the artiste believes Cancelo’s skills would be a significant upgrade.

Secondly, Odumodublvck advocates for the addition of a left winger to support or upgrade Gabriel Martinelli, who has held down the position for four years. His preferred signing is Rafael Leao, whose €175 million release clause expired on July 15.

Thirdly, the Afrobeats star emphasizes the need for a prolific striker, citing Gabriel Jesus‘ fitness issues as a major concern.

While Arsenal has relied on goals from various sources, a consistent, high-scoring striker is essential for a title-winning campaign.

Lastly, Odumodublvck recommends strengthening the center midfield position with a defensive cover, allowing Declan Rice to utilize his box-to-box skills.

He suggests Frenkie De Jong as the ideal signing, despite the team already having Thomas Partey and Jorginho.

Additionally, Odumodublvck has previously praised Declan Rice, naming him England’s most important player ahead of Harry Kane. With these reinforcements, Arsenal may finally have the firepower to claim the Premier League title.

 

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In an explosive interview, Joao Cancelo accused Pep Guardiola of dishonesty and labeled Manchester City as “ungrateful.” Cancelo’s remarks come as a response to Guardiola’s claims that his departure was due to his reaction to being dropped from the team.

Having initially moved on loan to Bayern Munich before later joining Barcelona, where he has since made 32 appearances, Cancelo expressed his frustration with City’s attitude and Guardiola’s assertions. However, he clarified that he harbors no ill feelings towards missing out on the club’s treble victory last season.

Asked if he expected to embark on two successive loans in an interview with A Bola, Cancelo replied, “No, I really didn’t think so, but I live my life by the moment. Certain things dictated that I was loaned last year to Bayern Munich. I have no regrets, even if City won the Champions League. I feel like I made the right choice, that I went to a club that really wanted me, even before renewing my contract. It was a club that gave me a lot in the six months I was there. I dealt with great players and the club is spectacular. Then I came here, lowered my salary and I’m not bothered by it in the slightest. This was the third time I was about to come to Barcelona and I’m finally here.”

Asked about Guardiola’s assertion that he responded poorly to being left out of the team, Cancelo added, “Lies were told! I’ve never been a bad team-mate for them and you can ask either (Nathan) Ake or Rico (Lewis). I don’t have any superiority or inferiority complex towards them, but that’s the manager’s opinion.

“I stayed because it’s not true. I think Man City were a bit ungrateful to me when they said that, because I was a very important player in the years I was there. I never failed in my commitment to the club, to the fans and I always gave everything. I remember a time when I was robbed and attacked and the next day I was playing at the Emirates against Arsenal.

“These are things you don’t forget, I left my wife and daughter alone at home, terrified. People will only remember this because Mister Guardiola has much more power than me when he says something and I prefer to keep to myself. I prefer to know that I am telling the truth, I feel fulfilled with what I did. I am a transparent person, I never lie. Life goes on and I wish everything goes well, because while I was there I enjoyed my football and the team. They remain the favourite team to win the Champions League.”

Cancelo had a trophy-filled tenure at City, winning the League Cup and three Premier League titles. He won the Bundesliga at Bayern in the 2022–2023 season, and it’s unclear if he’ll add another trophy to his growing collection at Barcelona.

On Saturday, Barcelona takes on Las Palmas in La Liga in an attempt to catch up to leaders Real Madrid, who are presently eight points ahead of Xavi’s team. Cancelo has a contract that runs out at Etihad Stadium in 2027, therefore he is expected to return to Man City this summer. It is unclear, though, how Guardiola will incorporate him back into the team.

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Joao Cancelo has been loaned out to Barcelona for a full season by Manchester City.

After publicly stating his desire to get a right-back before the summer transfer window closed, head coach Xavi has now achieved his goal with the addition of Cancelo.

During the first half of the 2022–23 season, the Portugal international lost favour at Man City, and during the January transfer window, he joined Bayern Munich on loan. Ironically, he faced off against his parent club in the Champions League quarterfinals.

Bem-vindo, João 🥰 pic.twitter.com/YaUS8Y8msP

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 1, 2023

Cancelo had a €70 million (£60 million) buyout clause in Bayern’s contract at the end of his loan period, but the German club was hesitant to pay that much money and instead chose to use the money for other signings, such Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur.

Cancelo returned to Man City for pre-season training, but as he worked to complete a transfer, he did not play in any of their first three Premier League games, the Community Shield, or the UEFA Super Cup.

After a protracted month of discussions, the 29-year-old has now officially signed a contract to join Barcelona for the 2023–24 season.

Cancelo is Culer! 💙❤️

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 1, 2023

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Joao Cancelo joined Bayern Munich on loan from Manchester City, but Thomas Tuchel has acknowledged that the two sides have not yet addressed his long-term future.

With a hastily negotiated loan transfer from Manchester City to Bayern Munich in January, it appeared as though the German powerhouses had quietly pulled off one of the transfers of the month. Cancelo has subsequently struggled to make an impression at Bayern, and speculation regarding his future is rampant.

Before their Champions League matchup with Cancelo’s parent club, new head coach Thomas Tuchel gave an update on his status.

“We haven’t discussed it with the club, I don’t even know the conditions of the contract,” Tuchel told reporters when asked if Bayern will sign Cancelo outright ahead of the huge quarter-final tie.

When Cancelo is at his best, which hasn’t been very often this season, he is regarded as one of the best full-backs in European football.

His relationship with City manager Pep Guardiola appeared to have broken down after a sluggish start, which prompted a hurried loan switch in January.

Guardiola denied rumors of a falling out, but it is still unknown if Cancelo will stay in Manchester or return in the summer.

Due to the different rules for loan players in UEFA tournaments, there is a potential that the Portuguese international plays a part against his parent club in the Champions League quarterfinal.

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Al-Nassr player Cristiano Ronaldo created more history on Thursday night in Lisbon, when Portugal defeated Liechtenstein 4-0.

Ronaldo netted a brace in Portugal’s first game under new manager Roberto Martinez, kicking off the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign in style. Bayern Munich’s Joao Cancelo and former Manchester City teammate Bernardo Silva both scored.

Ronaldo, who joined Saudi side Al-Nassr in January, captained Portugal against Liechtenstein. It was his 197th senior game for his country – becoming the most capped player in men’s international football. Yet it wasn’t his only achievement on Thursday night.

CR7 also became the first player to score 100 competitive international goals with his brilliant brace in Lisbon. The veteran’s first strike was a penalty, while his second was a ferocious free kick. It was a reminder of what he still has to offer at the international level.

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Ronaldo’s goals mean he has now scored for 20 consecutive years for Portugal. His first goal came in June 2004, when Portugal suffered a 2-1 defeat to Greece during the group stages of Euro 2004 on home soil. They famously also lost the final to Greece.

Ronaldo has scored a lot of goals since then. He has 120 goals for Portugal, making him the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football. Ali Daei of Iran is second on the record with 109 goals, while Argentina’s long-term adversary Lionel Messi has 98.

Ronaldo has 197 caps for Portugal, moving him ahead of Bader Al-Mutawa of Kuwait (196 caps), Soh Chin Ann of Malaysia (195), Ahmed Hassan of Egypt (184), and Ahmed Mubarak of Oman (184). (183).

To add further context to Ronaldo’s achievement, Sergio Ramos is the second-most capped European men’s footballer with 180 senior outings for Spain. Gianluigi Buffon played 176 times for Italy, while Iker Casillas managed 167 appearances for Spain.

Ronaldo was asked about his desire to break records ahead of Thursday night’s game. He said, “Records are always positive, it’s my motivation and as you know, I like to break records. I have a lot of records, but tomorrow’s is also a special record.

“Being the most capped player in history – I have to confess that it is something that leaves me quite proud. In addition to being the best scorer ever for the national teams, I would also like to be the most international capped player. But not only tomorrow, I would like to have a lot of matches in the future.”

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At the FIFA Best Awards on Monday night, a massively loaded 2022 FIFA FIFPRO Men’s World XI was revealed, featuring four elite players.

The XI only had three defenders, but Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema, and Erling Haaland were all selected for their outstanding performances in the attack.

After a stellar season with Real Madrid, Thibaut Courtois accepts the award, alongside Achraf Hakimi, Joao Cancelo, and Virgil van Dijk in front of him.

Kevin De Bruyne, Casemiro and Luka Modric form the three-player midfield behind Messi, Mbappe, Benzema and Haaland.

Argentina won the World Cup in late 2022, but Messi is the only member of the starting Eleven from that nation.

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Nevertheless, as a result of Real Madrid’s Champions League victory, Courtois, Modric, Casemiro (who has subsequently won the Carabao Cup with Manchester United), and Benzema are all given new eligibility.

Cancelo and De Bruyne were included since Man City had won the Premier League, and Haaland was included because of his prolific goal-scoring with both Borussia Dortmund and City.

FIFA FIFPro Men’s World 11
Thibaut Courtois, Achraf Hakimi, Joao Cancelo, Virgil van Dijk, Kevin De Bruyne, Luka Modric, Casemiro, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema, Erling Haaland.

📽️ This is the 2022 FIFA FIFPRO Men's #World11.

⭐️ Where legends are made.@FIFAWorldCup | #TheBest pic.twitter.com/EHfkMIfE8R

— FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) February 27, 2023

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Bayern Munich did not have to pay a loan fee to sign Joao Cancelo from Manchester City until the end of the season, according to reports.

After the unexpected January agreement, further information on Cancelo’s loan move to German champions Bayern Munich has come to light. On transfer deadline day, the City fullback signed a short-term loan agreement with Bayern, who reportedly have the option to buy him outright for €70 million (£62 million/$76 million) in the summer.

Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has now confirmed to Sport Bild journalist Christian Falk that no loan fee was required and explained why: “The fact that Cancelo worked without a fee is due to the network.”

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Despite a loss of form in recent months, Cancelo had established himself as arguably the best in the world in his position, which is why City’s decision to sanction a loan to an elite side such as Bayern raised more than a few eyebrows.

Cancelo insisted on completing the move in search of more regular playing time, while City boss Pep Guardiola echoed the same sentiment.

However, it was reported at the time that the 28-year-old had fallen out with his manager as a result of his reduced minutes, prompting his move away. Guardiola once managed at Bayern, and with all parties aligned on the deal, it moved quickly.

As expected, Cancelo has got off to a flying start in Germany, assisting on his debut, and will serve as a huge boost to Bayern’s domestic and European campaign this season.

The Portugal international is set to feature again when Bayern face Bochum in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

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Bayern Munich has already acknowledged that when Joao Cancelo’s loan from Manchester City ends, he could be too costly to sign on a long-term basis.

Cancelo, who had made a name for himself as one of the top full-backs in Europe, left City in January after unexpectedly losing his spot in Pep Guardiola’s starting lineup.

For the first few months of the season, the Portugal international had been doing things as usual, but when club football resumed following the World Cup break, he was benched.

Guardiola has later acknowledged that a change in City’s playing style made after the World Cup resulted in other players being given more opportunities and Cancelo growing dissatisfied with his new position.

“After the World Cup, we had a pre-season and decided to play a little different,” the City boss said.

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“I liked what I watched, so I gave more time to other players. His personality, like mine, he loves to play. He trains the best but the situation, he doesn’t play much. In the last year, [he was] one of the players with more minutes. He needs to play to be happy, so we decided to let him go to Munich.”

The deal with Bayern was agreed as a loan until the end of the season, with a view to making it a permanent deal for €70m (£63m). Such a fee would make Cancelo the second most expensive player in Bayern’s history, behind only fellow full-back Lucas Hernandez at €80m.

However, for the German champions, it is more complicated than simply paying the money when the time comes.

“We play with open cards. The most important thing is that Joao feels comfortable in Munich and can perform in the second half of the season,” sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told Bild.

“But we also told him clearly that this sum is difficult for us to imagine in the next few years.”

Cancelo made his Bundesliga debut against Wolfsburg at the weekend after making his DFB Pokal debut for Bayern against Mainz at the beginning of February. In each of the games, which Bayern won convincingly, he provided an assist.

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Joao Cancelo, who recently completed a transfer from Manchester City to Bayern Munich, has opened up about his alleged altercation with Pep Guardiola.

In a shock deadline day story, Cancelo has joined the German giants on loan until the end of the season with an option to buy for €70million (£61.5m).

Having been a key player for City since moving to the Etihad in 2019 from Juventus, many have been left stunned at the transfer, especially given that the Citizens don’t appear to have a direct replacement lined up for the attacking full-back.

According to reports, the player and manager Guardiola had a falling out over the player’s lack of playing time following the World Cup.

And Cancelo has seemingly confirmed this, though has kept quiet on the exact details of what was said between himself and the City boss.

‘There was a lot of speculation about my relationship with Pep Guardiola,’ the 28-year-old said at his introductory press conference, as quoted by Sky Germany.

‘But the truth is that I just wanted to get more playing minutes. And I see that opportunity at Bayern

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‘I didn’t ask Pep Guardiola about Bayern Munich, everything happened too quickly for that. I feel ready to start straight away. I’d like to put on the Bayern shirt and get going as soon as possible.

‘First of all, I want to focus on my goals and those of the club. Then we’ll sit down and see what’s next.

‘I’ve had a great time at Manchester City, it’s always been there much appreciated. I’m still under contract with City too.’

Bayern manager Julian Nagelsmann added: ‘Brazzo [Hasan Salihamidžić, Bayern’s sporting director] said that we had a chance to get Cancelo. Then I said, “Let’s do it!”.

‘Then everything happened very quickly. We’ve talked to him a lot in the past. He brings a lot, dynamic and is a very good reinforcement.

‘Joao is fit and can theoretically play tomorrow. But I’m not really sure about the line-up yet.’

Shortly before the transfer was confirmed, Cancelo sent a goodbye message to City fans on Instagram, posting: ‘Once a Cityzen, always a Cityzen. Thank you.’

The Portugal international made 154 appearances for the club, scoring nine goals and making 22 assists, as well as being named in the PFA Team of the Year for the last two seasons. He won two Premier League titles, one League Cup and reached the Champions League final in 2021.

 

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Bayern Munich have announced and completed the signing of Joao Cancelo from Manchester City on an initial loan deal until the end of the season with a €70 million buy option.

The Portugal full-back, who has recently been regarded as one of the best in the world at his position, was reportedly given permission to leave City on Monday after expressing a wish to do so.

This gave Bayern Munich the opportunity to strike, and he quickly flew to Germany to undertake a medical with the league champions.

On deadline day, Bayern announced Cancelo’s loan move; they still have the option to make it permanent in the summer.

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Speaking to Bayern club channels, Cancelo said: “FC Bayern is a great club, one of the best in the world, and it’s enormous motivation for me to now play alongside these extraordinary players in a team.

“I know that this club, this team lives for titles and wins titles every year. I’m also driven by the hunger for success. I’ll give my best for FC Bayern.”

👋 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/q5UdxeWgCc

— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) January 31, 2023

In a statement, Bayern director Hasan Salihamidzic said: “We’re very happy that Joao Cancelo will now play for FC Bayern. We’ve signed him on loan now and have the possibility of signing him permanently in the summer. Joao is a player we’ve been thinking about for a while now because we very much appreciate his qualities.

“He’s the optimal fit in our system with his attacking style of play and dynamism, and his mentality and experience fit very well in our team. I’m convinced Joao will help us in the coming weeks and months where we want to win titles.”

FC Bayern have signed João Cancelo on loan from Manchester City until the end of the season ✍️#MiaSanMia #ServusJoão

— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) January 31, 2023

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According to reports, FC Bayern Munich are closing in on deal to sign João Cancelo from Manchester City on loan.

Joao Cancelo is set to join Bayern Munich on loan. Given that the 28-year-old is a longtime favourite of the German champions, Cancels’s loan agreement is expected to include a buy option.

Pep Guardiola’s first team has lost faith in him after he failed to start any of their last three games across all competitions.

Cancelo, who has appeared in the last two seasons’ PFA Premier League Team of the Year, participated in 36 games as City won the title.

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It is unknown why City is now prepared to approve a loan transfer for the Portugal international to Bayern, as Nathan Ake, John Stones, and academy graduate Rico Lewis have all been favoured in the full-back slots in recent weeks.

Cancelo, who has a contract with City that runs until 2027, will join a Bayern team that is struggling and has drawn its last three games. Even though they are in first place in the Bundesliga, Julian Nagelsmann’s team has allowed Union Berlin, RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund, and Freiburg to pull within three points of them.

Cancelo might play against Mainz in the German Cup on Wednesday or Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga on Sunday if he joins Bayern before the deadline on Tuesday.

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The World Cup title is getting closer to view as the field gets smaller, and on Saturday at Al Thumama Stadium, trailblazers Morocco will take on quarterfinal adversaries Portugal.

The Atlas Lions, who are now competing for a spot in the final four, defeated Spain before convincingly winning on penalties to advance to this round for the first time, while the Selecao completely changed their game to defeat Switzerland in the round of 16.

• Team News:

Cristiano Ronaldo, who has played for Portugal the most times (195) and is the all-time leading scorer with 118 goals, is now starting at the front after being demoted in front of the entire nation on Tuesday. Goncalo Ramos, a fresh Selecao star, takes his place.

Joao Cancelo was also not selected by Fernando Santos for the match against Switzerland in favour of Raphael Guerreiro at left back and Diogo Dalot at right back.

Otavio, another of his less-noticed additions, should continue in midfield, and William Carvalho is hoping to fend off Ruben Neves for the Portuguese engine room.

Nuno Mendes had previously been ruled out of the knockout rounds due to injury, and Danilo is still uncertain. Ruben Dias should team up with Pepe, age 39, at the centre of the back four in place of the latter, who will likely be absent.

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Morocco has fielded a largely consistent XI throughout the finals, in contrast to some team shuffles by Portugal.

Walid Regragui is concerned about Nayef Aguerd of West Ham United’s fitness more than any other essential piece in his well-oiled machine.

The always-present centre defender is in a race against time after being replaced by captain Romain Saiss with a strapping on his leg during the win over Spain. In addition, Sofyan Amrabat, who had a back issue, played through the discomfort.

However, if everyone is available, a team led by attacking trio Sofiane Boufal, Hakim Ziyech, and Youssef En-Nesyri will resemble the one that defeated La Roja. Both full-backs have also had injury problems in Qatar.

• Possible Lineup:

Morocco’s possible starting lineup:
Bounou; Hakimi, Saiss, Aguerd, Mazraoui; Ounahi, Amrabat, Amallah; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal

Portugal’s possible starting lineup:
Costa; Dalot, Pepe, Dias, Guerreiro; B. Silva, Carvalho, Otavio; Fernandes, Ramos, Felix

• Score prediction:

Yassine Bounou saved two penalties in the shootout against Spain, making him the hero, although he hasn’t been overused in open play. Only two teams have allowed fewer shots on goal than miserly Morocco at this year’s World Cup.

Portugal was relentless in an attack against the Swiss, but it was an offensive performance out of character for their tournament thus far. Portugal scored as many goals against Switzerland as they had totalled in the group stage.

Prediction: Morocco 1-1 Portugal (Portugal Wins With Penalty)

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